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Former Cal Star Opens Up About Death Of Reality Star Girlfriend

Gia Allemand, a model and reality TV star, died Wednesday, August 14th according to statement released by her family. She was 29.According to that statement, Allemand was at her home in New Orleans on Monday when she was found by her boyfriend, New Orleans Pelicans player Ryan Anderson, following an apparent suicide attempt. Anderson called 911 and emergency medical crews arrived on the scene shortly afterward. She was taken to University Hospital and remained unconscious in critical condition and on life support.The statement, released Wednesday, said, "Due to a critical loss of brain and organ function, life support was withdrawn today."Allemand's mother, along with her boyfriend and friends, were at her bedside when she died.Allemand started modeling at a young age, starring in Johnson & Johnson ads and appearing as a Gerber Baby. She later rose to fame as one of the contestants during the 2010-2011 seasons of "The Bachelor" and "Bachelor Pad." More recently, she worked as a Pure Barre instructor in New Orleans and worked on raising awareness about rescuing homeless pets.[ READ MORE: Reality TV Star Gia Allemand Dies At Age 29 ](credit: Joe Corrigan/Getty Images)(1983-2013)

“I’m deeply grateful for all the love and support we have received from family, friends and fans,” said Anderson in a statement via People. “Gia was the most beautiful person I knew inside and out and she always smiled and made everyone else around her smile.”

Anderson, who was a star at Cal and now plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, added, “She had such an amazing impact on my life and anyone that knew her was blessed. All I have left is to cherish those memories we made together and help perpetuate the many values, faith and love that we shared.”

Allemand died Wednesday after an apparent suicide attempt at age 29. Anderson found the former model inside her home and called 911 immediately. After authorities arrived on the scene, she was taken to the hospital where she remained unconscious and in critical condition. She was taken off life support on Wednesday “due to a critical loss of brain and organ function,” according to a statement released on behalf of her family. TMZ reports that Allemand attempted suicide by hanging.

Allemand, how was born in Queens, N.Y., had appeared on both “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor Pad.” She started modeling at a young age, starring in Johnson & Johnson ads and appearing as a Gerber Baby. More recently, she had worked as a fitness instructor in New Orleans.

Allemand’s Instagram page is filled with several photos of her and Anderson, along with plenty of pictures with friends.

Her final tweet read: “Proverbs 21:3 “Doing what is right and fair pleases The Lord more than an offering”